Manchester City Consider Rotating Squad for Swansea Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola considers resting Erling Haaland for League Cup match against Swansea City due to a packed schedule.
Erling, I haven't seen him today but it was a knock and day by day it is better...”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is considering resting star striker Erling Haaland for Wednesday's EFL Cup match against Swansea City. Haaland recently went scoreless for the first time in 13 games, ending his impressive streak with a goalless outing in City's 1-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa on Sunday, where he also had a late shot clatter into the post.
Haaland's fitness will be reassessed after the team's training session on Tuesday, with Guardiola hinting that the striker might get some rest against Swansea City. Meanwhile, midfielder Rodri continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the international break and remains unavailable for selection.
Despite being the favorites, Pep Guardiola emphasized that City won't underestimate Swansea City, stressing the team's history of taking every opponent seriously. Manchester City has won the League Cup four times under Guardiola and will look to continue their success in the competition.
“Erling, I haven't seen him today but it was a knock and day by day it is better,” Guardiola told a press conference on Tuesday. “Now we train this afternoon where we will find out more on how he feels and decide if he can play.
“Yeah, this is a game where we could rest Erling.”
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is still sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury during Manchester City's match against Brentford before the October international break. This latest setback adds to his troubled return to the pitch following a serious knee injury that kept him out for 13 months.
“Rodri still is not (ready), he is getting better, training with us,” Guardiola said. “No, I don't have an idea on when he will be available. Hopefully soon but not yet.”
Manchester City, with four League Cup titles under Pep Guardiola's belt, are likely to see significant rotation in their lineup for the trip to Swansea as they juggle a packed schedule. Guardiola hinted at resting key players, including Erling Haaland, who was assessed after feeling discomfort in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, midfielder Rodri remains out with a suspected knee ligament injury.
Pep 💬 (Injury updates) Erling [Haaland] I didn’t see him yet today, but it was a knock. We will train this afternoon and see how he feels.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 28, 2025
[Abdukodir] Khusanov is ready, he'll play a few minutes tomorrow.
Rodri still is not ready. He's getting better, he's training but of… pic.twitter.com/UQrqrpponm
Guardiola Warns Against Complacency Ahead of Swansea Clash
Taking nothing for granted
While they are big favourites at Swansea, who are 13th in the Championship, Guardiola said he takes no team for granted.
“It's not my first time. I have played 10 seasons here and I've played many times with (League Cups), FA Cups,” said Guardiola, whose last League Cup triumph came in 2021.
“Teams from lower divisions we have always taken seriously otherwise we wouldn't have had the success we've had in the past so we prepare the same way. Incredible focus, sometimes even more.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also touched on the situation of Kalvin Phillips, who has found himself struggling for playing time and has become a peripheral figure at the club.
Kalvin Phillips has only made one appearance this season, featuring in City's 2-0 League Cup win over Huddersfield Town in the third round.
"For a start no, but maybe he will travel with us,” Guardiola said when asked if Phillips could feature at Swansea.
“He is a player for the team, the squad. He is coming back, he trains with us, we treat him like another player. The decision of whether he plays or not belongs to me.
“He is always an unbelievable guy. It is a joy to have him in the locker room.”
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